Delft & Leiden

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RESEARCH

Molecular Biophysics

Marie-Eve Aubin-Tam, Delft

The Aubin-Tam group is involved in the development of biophysical tools to study proteins and elucidate how they can perform mechanical work to remodel the cell environment. We are especially interested in macromolecular machines involved in protein translocation.

In biology, evolutionary adaptation, diversification and complexification emerge from the interplay between random genetic variation and natural selection. We seek insight into the mechanisms behind the creative potential of biological evolution—from molecules to ecology—with a particular focus on the cell’s protein nano-machines. Our research combines real-time bacterial evolution experiments with synthetic biology and biophysics to study how mutation and selection together shape the evolution of living organisms. We are also interested in developing tools for the evolutionary engineering of cells and their molecular building blocks.

Bokinsky Lab: We are curious to learn how bacteria work, and in figuring out ways to make bacteria (even more) useful. We have both fundamental and applied projects, and are always happy to pursue research in new and interesting directions.

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Pouyan Boukany, Delft

We will use DNA as a nanotemplate to produce biochips for drug/gene delivery, bio-sensing and medical diagnostic applications and as a model to probe the dynamics of complex fluids. Our research objective is comprised of two main thrusts. The first one is devoted to use nanofluidics-based devices for providing quantitative insights into the fundamental mechanism of drug delivery, disease treatment, gene therapy and response of individual cells to therapeutic/biomolecular reagents. The second one is to understand the molecular dynamics of complex fluids using DNA as a model and advanced visualization techniques. Our interdisciplinary team will focus on new and exciting research in the following areas:

The Brouns lab is interested in understanding molecular mechanisms of bacterial defense against viruses, including CRISPR. For more information, click here.

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Christophe Danelon, Delft

My group develops lipid vesicle-based strategies to construct protocell models, artificial cells and drug delivery systems. We are using multidisciplinary approaches including single molecule biophysics, theoretical biology and synthetic biology

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Cees Dekker, Delft

In the Cees Dekker lab we pursue various aspects of DNA biophysics: single-DNA detection withs solid-state nanopores, single-molecule studies ofchromatin structure and repair, and studying the organization of chromatin in bacteria that are confined in nanofabricated channels. In these fields we aim to be at the forefront of the field, exploring new unknown territories.Please visit our website for further information: http://ceesdekkerlab.tudelft.nl/

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Nynke Dekker, Delft

The Nynke Dekker group is a high-profile, internationally-oriented single-molecule biophysics team that studies the dynamics of DNA and RNA as well as their interaction with proteins, both with purified components and inside the living cell. The techniques used include magnetic and optical tweezers, optical microscopy, fluorescence detection, and nanofluidics and nanopores: these allow us to study single-molecule processes in real time. In addition to studying the biophysics of molecular and cellular processes, we're also involved in the development of new molecular biology and single-molecule tools

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Martin Depken, Delft

We are a theoretical biophysics group which enjoys the luxury of being integrated into the largely experimental department of Bionanoscience at TU Delft. Our main effort is put into specifying---from a mechanistic theoretical perspective---how molecular machines (or collections there of) are able to perform precise functions in a thermal, complex, and often greatly interconnected environment. Through bottom-up stochastic modeling we work out how elements on the microscopic scale are used to build biological function on the macroscopic scale. The systems we study range from genomic information processors to the motors that tune the cells mechanical properties and make them active (living) materials. Though the work we perform is theoretical, we benefit and put great weight on always keeping in close contact with both in-house and external experimental collaborators.

The assembly, force generation and organization of cytoskeletal polymers lies at the basis of many essential cellular processes. The research objective of this group is to gain a quantitative understanding of the physics behind these cytoskeleton-based processes. This is achieved through a combination of in vitro experiments in simplified physically and biochemically controlled microfabricated environments, theoretical modelling and, increasingly, experiments in living cells.

Research concerns the structure and function of membrane proteins of different origin. A major effort is invested in the study of aquaglyceroporins. Electron crystallography and atomic force microscopy are used to analyze two-dimensional crystals assembled from membrane proteins and lipids.

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Peter Gast, Leiden

The spin part of the MoNOS group focuses on the development and application of novel electron paramagnetic resonance techniques. Higher microwave frequencies and new pulse techniques are being pioneered with the aim to enhance the sensitivity and resolution of the technique and to open up hitherto inaccessible quantum systems. Presently, the emphasis is on the study of the electronic structure of active metal sites in proteins, enzymes and bio-mimetic transition metal complexes and on the probing of the structure and dynamics of biosystems using spin labels.

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Edgar Groenen, Leiden

The spin part of the MoNOS group focuses on the development and application of novel electron paramagnetic resonance techniques. Higher microwave frequencies and new pulse techniques are being pioneered with the aim to enhance the sensitivity and resolution of the technique and to open up hitherto inaccessible quantum systems. Presently, the emphasis is on the study of the electronic structure of active metal sites in proteins, enzymes and bio-mimetic transition metal complexes and on the probing of the structure and dynamics of biosystems using spin labels.

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Doris Heinrich, Leiden

Biophysics of Cellular Dynamics

This research group is interested in the physics of living cells, especially their cytoskeleton dynamics under defined external stimuli.Living cells are excitable, non-linear systems, controlled by a vast number of signalling cascades. We aim at a fundamental understanding of active and passive transport processes in crowded multicomponent systems far from equilibrium, like living cells. We control cells by artificial, spacially and temporally defined chemotactic stimuli, forcing them into predefined states. Further, we explore cytoskeleton reorganisation in 3D topological environments, which define exact boundary conditions for cell migration. The process of cell adhesion to solid sufaces is mediated by actin polymerisation and plasma membrane reorganisation, dynamic processes approachable by single molecule tracking. Finally, we use nanoparticles as artificial proteins to modify and control cell function.

The spin part of the MoNOS group focuses on the development and application of novel electron paramagnetic resonance techniques. Higher microwave frequencies and new pulse techniques are being pioneered with the aim to enhance the sensitivity and resolution of the technique and to open up hitherto inaccessible quantum systems. Presently, the emphasis is on the study of the electronic structure of active metal sites in proteins, enzymes and bio-mimetic transition metal complexes and on the probing of the structure and dynamics of biosystems using spin labels.

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Timon Idema, Delft

We are a (mostly) theoretical biophysics group that has the good fortune to be part of a large department housing both experimentalists and theorists. Our main research interest is the topic of collective dynamics, from the level of single molecules such as proteins and molecular motors, all the way up to cells in tissue and colonies of bacteria. In particular, we are currently working on the effects of membrane mediated interactions, mechanical interactions between cells in developing embryos, and collective dynamics of finite-size, self-propelled particles. On all these, we cultivate active collaborations with theoretical and experimental groups, both inside and outside our own department.

Our lab studies the structure and function of large biomolecular machines. Biomacromolecules adopt intricate three-dimensional arrangments that are critical to their function. We study these structures using the high-resolution imaging tools of structural biology, in particular electron cryo-microscopy (cryo-EM) and macromolecular diffraction (MX). Since both dimension and operation level of the systems we study are at the nanometer scale, we collectively describe this as nanoscopy.

We are interested in the molecular mechanisms by which individual cells defend themselves against infection. Our research interests include the structure and function of host factors in intracellular immunity, the mechanism of force generation by large macromolecular assemblies and the role of autophagy in pathogen elimination. Research in our laboratory combines cryo-EM with other structural imaging and diffraction methods to visualize the macromolecular complexes involved in these processes, and applies biochemistry and biophysical tools to dissect their mechanism of action. We also actively develop sample preparation and computational methods to support our research. Please have a look at the individual research areas for more details:

"The Joo group makes nanobiology tools to address important biological questions related to human beings. The novel tools under development include a single-molecule protein sequencing and a single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy of macromolecular complexes."

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Liedewij Laan, Delft

The Laan lab is located in the Department of Bionanoscience, part of the Kavli Institute of Nanoscience at the Delft University of Technology. We are fascinated by how interactions between biomolecules give rise to living matter, alias life. Physical and chemical laws are the same for living and non living matter, so what is it about the organization of a cell that makes it alive? We know that cells are highly organized in space and time. During mitosis for example, an intricate network of interactions ensures a remarkable precision and robustness in DNA segregation. This network is highly dynamic and self-organizing; it disassembles at one phase during the cell cycle to be completely rebuilt in the next phase. Additionally this network needs to be robust against genetic perturbations. Especially large multi-cellular organisms, which acquire mutations during their lifetime need to buffer against spontaneous mutations to avoid, for example, cancer formation. Nevertheless, on long evolutionary timescales mutations are essential since they allow organisms to adapt to their changing environment. So how do these complex networks manage to be robust and highly organized on short cellular timescales, but also adaptable on long evolutionary timescales? We try to answer these questions using a variety of experimental approaches ranging from physics to evolutionary biology. To achieve a deeper understanding of our systems we combine our experiments with modelling approaches, often in collaboration with theory groups. Click here for more information.

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Dimphna Meijer, Delft

The group investigates the development of the central nervous system. We use molecular and cellular techniques to discover the mechanisms of neural diversity and neural circuitry formation. We specialize in cell-fate choice, neuronal partnering and the tripartite synapse.

Chromatin is the ubiquitous protein-DNA complex that forms the structural basis of DNA condensation in all eukaryotes. Packaging and depackaging of such chromatin, called chromatin remodeling, plays a central role in all cellular processes that involve chromosomes such as transcription,replication, recombination, repair etc. The physical mechanisms governing these processes however, are still largely unknown. In our group we develop and use modern biophysical techniques to unravel the physics behind DNA condensation down to the single-molecule level. More info on www.biophysics.leidenuniv.nl/noort/.

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Tjerk Oosterkamp, Leiden

"Development of high speed scanning probe microscopy techniques in liquid"

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Michel Orrit, Leiden

We are interested in the far-field optical detection and spectroscopy of individual molecules and metal nanoparticles. These nano-objects can be studied for themselves or can report on their nearby surroundings, for example in biological environments. We are currently working on single gold nanoparticles (nanospheres, nanorods) and on single organic molecules in liquids or on solid substrates, at ambient conditions or at liquid-helium temperatures. Our projects are related to quantum optics, plasmonics, soft matter physics, biophysics, and generally physical chemistry.

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Helmut Schiessel, Leiden

I work on theoretical problems in bio- and soft matter physics. Of special interest are the mechanical properties of DNA itself and that of DNA-protein complexes.

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Thomas Schmidt, Leiden

The way how cells can reliably and fast react on the outside world is a fascinating puzzle which drives research in my group. Most of the communication of the cell with its environment is taking place at the cellular membrane. By novel technological tools developed in my group together with theoretical modeling we try to shed a bit of light into so-far unexplored fields of biological research

One of the biggest challenges that physical scientists have yet to resolve is identifying quantitative rules and principles governing living systems, and then showing how they emerge from putting together fundamental physical laws governing the behaviours of lifeless molecules. In doing so, we may one day truly understand living systems within a mathematical framework in the same way that we now understand the physics of many non-living systems. Our lab's research is motivated by this very fundamental goal. We perform experiments that perturb, rewire, build, and eliminate interactions within unicellular and multicellular systems to reveal quantitative principles of living systems. For more information, visit the Youk Lab website.

The nanophysics group at the Lorentz Institute studies theoretically the quantum transport properties of nanostructured materials, in particular with regards to their potential for solid-state quantum information processing. We collaborate closely with the experimental nanophysics group at Delft University of Technology. Quantum transport of Dirac and Majorana fermions in graphene and in topological insulators is central to our current interests.http://www.lorentz.leidenuniv.nl/beenakker/

In our lab we use high-end thin film deposition technologies to create new quantum nanomaterials. We design and control the composition of each atomic layer of artificial crystalline structures with the aim of exploring the physics of new electron systems.

Our main focus is on a class of materials known as complex oxides. These display an amazing variety of different electronic properties such as magnetism and superconductivity at much higher temperatures than any other material. Such remarkable diversity is found in materials possessing a similar crystalline structure. This creates the opportunity to combine them in artificial crystals characterised by sharp interfaces, just as Lego bricks of different colours can be assembled in a single structure.

Our ultimate challenge is to design and produce new correlated phases of matter. We are driven by scientific curiosity but at the same time we are alert to the practical application of our research in energy conversion and electronics.

The aim of my group will be to develop and apply innovative analysis techniques for the characterization of nanoscale materials based on Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and related techniques. TEM methods allow imaging materials with atomic resolution, and provide unique insight for the understanding of the structural, chemical and electrical properties of novel materials, paving the way for their applications as building blocks of next-generation nanodevices. In particular, my group will use TEM methods to investigate the fascinating properties of low-dimensional nanomaterials, such as nanowires, and of recently discovered quantum materials, such as topological insulators and nitrogen vacancy centers in diamond. Most of these materials are rather new, and we are only now starting to unravel their true potentialities.

Diamond has recently emerged as a unique material for quantum science and engineering. We exploit the remarkable properties of spins in diamond to study and engineer interactions between individual quantum systems, with the long term goal of building a quantum computer and realizing a quantum internet.

Kobus Kuipers is one of the pioneers in the field of nanophotonics. He is internationally recognized for developing techniques that probe the electric and magnetic field of light on the nanometer length scale and the femtosecond time scale. With these techniques he obtained novel insights in the fundamental properties of light in nanostructures.

Kuipers has strongly contributed to the development of the nanophotonics research field in the Netherlands. Together with Albert Polman, he founded the Center for Nanophotonics at AMOLF, and made it a leading center for nanophotonics research. Since November 2016 Prof. dr. Kuipers is head of the Quantum Nanoscience department in TU Delft, part of the Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft. Click here for further reading.

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Sense Jan van der Molen, Leiden

I am interested in quantum charge transport through (single) organic molecules, with a special attention for molecular switches. In parallel, I focus on an exciting type of microscopy, low energy electron microscopy. It is one of my goals to use the latter technique to image charge transport in 2D. Thus, I intend to connect both ny research interests.

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Sander Otte, Delft

My research focuses on magnetism on the scale of individual atoms. Using low-temperature STM we can address single magnetic atoms deposited onto a metal surface and visualize their spin states through inelastic electron tunneling spectroscopy. We can even move the atoms around so as to build artificial 'molecules' atom-by-atom, optimizing their magnetic properties for scientific and technological objectives.

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Jan van Ruitenbeek, Leiden

The central research theme is electron transport properties at the nanoscale. The research has evolved from the development of the mechanically controllable break junction in our group. Currently we are interested in single-molecule junctions, and we try to answer questions regarding the role of electron interference in transport across molecules, and search for the effects of non-conservative current-induced forces. The techniques that we specialize in, apart from the ones based on break junctions, include low-temperature UHV STM and high-resolution shot noise measurements. Beside this mean stream new side-stream projects are being developed, including investigations of switching effects in ionic conductors, piezo-electric nanoparticles, spin-polarized current injection in point contacts and properties of high-Tc superconductors.

"GS is interested in the quantum behaviour of nanomechanical resonators made from bottom-up materials, such as single carbon nanotubes and graphene sheets. We are specialized in making these resonators using novel techniques from nanotechnology, and are developing ultra-sensitive detection methods for reading out their quantum motion by integrating them into quantum superconducting circuits such as resonators and qubits."

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Peter Steeneken, Delft

We study the physics of nanodevices with the goal to apply them in the semiconductor industry. Miniaturization of device dimensions towards the nanoscale can offer clear advantages in terms of operation speed, device density and sensitivity. CMOS integration of nanomaterials is therefore expected to enable breakthroughs in computing, communication and sensing.

In particular we focus on the integration of 2D nanomaterials with CMOS in order to create novel electromechanical sensors. Since materials like graphene can be suspended as atomically thin membranes, they provide ultimate flexibility. This opens up the possibility to create sensors with unprecedented sensitivity.

I am interested in developing computational and theoretical tools for understanding electron transport through gated molecular devices. The work is done in close collaboration with the experimental group of Herre Van der Zant, and uses non-equilibrium Green function methods, and density matrix renormalisation group techniques.

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Herre van der Zant, Delft

We fabricate molecular nanodevices in a planar solid-state device geometry using a variety of different techniques: self-breaking of electromigrated Au and Pt wires, electroburning of multilayer graphene to produce nanogaps, (gateable) mechanically-controllable break junctions (MCBJs) and a self-aligned fabrication technique for fabricating nano-spaced electrodes over large lengths. Experiments consist of measuring current-voltage characteristics as a function of various control parameters (temperature, gate voltage, light, magnetic field). In particular, we focus on the molecular signatures in transport such as vibrational modes, redox activity or spin properties. Four research directions can be identified:

We are part of the Quantum transport group at the Kavli Institute of Nanoscience at TU Delft. Our group studies nanostructures at the single photon level. Both quantum emitters and quantum detectors are studied with the aim of developing new tools for quantum information processing.

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Toeno van der Sar, Delft

Quantum Matter and Functional Materials

Jan Aarts, Leiden

In my group Magnetic and Superconducting Materials we investigate properties of hybrid structures, which combine different functionalities where the electron spin plays a role. Focus points are the research on inducing superductivity in ferromagnets (long range proximity effect); on conducting interfaces between insulating oxides; and on the use of graphene as two-dimensional metal in such hybrid structures. An effort under development concerns spin pumping phenomena.

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Milan Allan, Leiden

The overarching goal of the Milan Allan lab is to explore and understand new quantum states of electronic matter on the atomic scale. We will develop novel spectroscopic-imaging scanning tunneling microscopy (SI-STM) tools to directly visualize the relevant quantum mechanical degrees of freedom.

The section FAME performs research on functional and structural materials aimed at practical applications. The focus is on the study of the relations between structure, dynamics and function at the atomic and nanoscale. For this we use neutrons, positrons, X-rays, NMR, muons, Mossbauer spectroscopy and first principles modeling, at both local (RID) and international facilities. FAME collaborates closely with NPM2.

The section FAME performs research on functional and structural materials aimed at practical applications. The focus is on the study of the relations between structure, dynamics and function at the atomic and nanoscale. For this we use neutrons, positrons, X-rays, NMR, muons, Mossbauer spectroscopy and first principles modeling, at both local (RID) and international facilities. FAME collaborates closely with NPM2.

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Stephan Eijt, Delft

Nanostructured energy materials, in particular for hydrogen storage and thin film solar cells. We employ positron annihilation methods, neutron and X-ray scattering, electron microscopy, sensitive thermal hydrogen sorption and ab-initio modeling to study the relations between (electronic) structure, dynamics and function of solid-state energy materials at the atomic and nanoscale.

The challenge for experiments is to measure the local, nanoscale, lectrodynamic properties in materials. I am developing a new technique to determine these local variations of the electronic properties. The method is derived from the recent progress in astronomical instruments for the submillimeter (hundreds of GHz to THz) frequency band. This progress, to which I contributed extensively, was driven by the desire to study the universe, but with this technology and expertise in hand it is now possible to cross the disciplinary boundaries again. The new instrument will make it possible to determine the local (and possibly the frequency-dependent) electromagnetic properties, such as the dielectric constant and conductivity, for a range of materials. Contact: t.m.klapwijk@tudelft.nl (zie also http://www.cosmonanoscience.tudelft.nl)

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Liberato Manna, Delft

Advanced synthesis, structural characterization and assembly of inorganic nanostructures, with emphasis on the development of complex, three dimensional nano-hetero-structures for applications in energy, photonics and biology

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Fokko Mulder, Delft

The focus of my research is the fundamentals as well as practical aspects of energy storage and conversion materials for renewable energy applications. The overall goal is to study materials and methods that can contribute to the large scale implementation of renewable energy storage, and with that can enable large scale introduction of varying renewable energy sources. The materials studied include hydrogen storage materials, battery materials and electrolytes. The fundamental aspects studied include the physical effects of nanostructuring, the reversibility of hydrogen and lithium storage materials, electrochemical reactions, and in general factors that enable efficient and durable functioning of the materials.

The magnetic fields generated by spins and currents provide a unique window into condensed-matter physics. We focus on studying these fields at the nanoscale using the excellent sensitivity and broad temperature operability of the nitrogen-vacancy (NV) sensor spin in diamond.

The section FAME performs research on functional and structural materials aimed at practical applications. The focus is on the study of the relations between structure, dynamics and function at the atomic and nanoscale. For this we use neutrons, positrons, X-rays, NMR, muons, Mossbauer spectroscopy and first principles modeling, at both local (RID) and international facilities. FAME collaborates closely with NPM2.

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Jan Zaanen, Leiden

There is much more to matter than the solid, liquid and gaseous stuffs made from molecules which we observe with our human senses. Due to revolutionary progress in experimentation with electrons in solids, cold atoms and heavy ion collisions, as well as the latest advances in string theory and other mathematical approaches our understanding of matter in its generalized forms is leaping forward in the present era. The theory group in Leiden is studying a broad portfolio of empirical quantum matter phenomena, ranging from topological band insulators, via quantum liquid crystals, to the strange quantum critical metals as realized in high Tc superconductors. This morphs seamlessly via the study of high energy phenoma, into the study of the material side of black holes. Behind this agenda is the AdS/CFT correspondence, the main result of string theory. This reveals that laboratory quantum matter is like a hologram encoding the gravitational physics of black holes in a higher dimensional universe. The Leiden group of Zaanen, Schalm and Parnachev belongs to the pioneers in this application of string theory to condensed matter phenomena.

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Henny Zandbergen, Delft

The National Centre for High Resolution Electron Microscopy

The department’s research is aimed at:

The realization of in-situ measurements combining structural investigations with for example electrical measurement or a gas atmosphere at elevated temperature in the transmission electron microscope,

In-situ modification of materials at the nano scale,

The analysis and understanding of the relation between the properties of crystalline materials and their structure, composition and morphology,

Quantum Information and quantum optics

Ronald Hanson, Delft

Diamond has recently emerged as a unique material for quantum science and engineering. We exploit the remarkable properties of spins in diamond to study and engineer interactions between individual quantum systems, with the long term goal of building a quantum computer and realizing a quantum internet.

We study fundamental aspects of quantum information processing in solid-state nanostructures and quantum encryption with optical devices. Two key challenges are to understand quantum dynamics of nano-based quantum networks and to develop fundamental schemes for quantifying the security of physical quantum key distribution devices. http://tnw.tudelft.nl/index.php?id=36238&L=1

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Dirk Bouwmeester, Leiden

Bouwmeester is Professor of Physics at Leiden University and is also a professor at the University of Santa Barbara in California. As an experimental physicist, Bouwmeester studies and tests the boundaries of the quantum mechanical world. He set up a European research group in Leiden and is trying to demonstrate quantum phenomena in macroscopic objects. In collaboration with professor Penrose, Bouwmeester introduced a radical new method to experiment with the quantum mechanical properties of relatively large objects. Then in 2006 he demonstrated that a crucial technique for these experiments, namely the supercooling of an object with light, was possible.

We develop superconducting quantum circuits with a focus on quantum measurement and feedback control for applications in quantum information processing. This research integrates microwave engineering, microfabrication and low-temperature physics. Bachelor, Master's and Post-Doc positions are currently available.

We study quantum entanglement with photon pairs, focusing on their spatial properties and the influence of scattering. We investigate quantum dots in high-finesse optical cavities, together with Dirk Bouwmeester, as a tool in quantum information. In the field of metal nano-optics and plasmonics we try to compensate the losses of surface plasmon polaritons by applying optical gain.

In our newly established lab we aim to probe quantum physics on a meso- and macroscopic level using mechanical oscillators coupled to an optical cavity field through radiation pressure. This is a relatively new research field, typically referred to as optomechanics, and together with our colleagues we have shown some promising results towards the goal of coherent quantum control of macroscopic degrees of freedom over the last few years. If you want to find out more about this exciting field, please have a look at our website.

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Ryoichi Ishihara, Delft

Ryoichi Ishihara's focus in QuTech is on fabrication of scalable qubit and advanced packaging technology for integration of qubit. Click here for more information.

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Leo Kouwenhouven, Delft

Leo Kouwenhoven is interested in the quantum opto-electronic properties of various nanostructures, in particular devices based on semiconducting nanowires and carbon nanotubes. The goal is to control and manipulate quantum states for the study of quantum coherence and entanglement.

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Hans Mooij, Delft

The Quantum Transport group studies and exploits novel quantum mechanical phenomena in nanometer-scale structures. Our current research focuses on superconducting circuits, quantum dots, nanowires, carbon nanotubes, diamond, and graphene. We employ in-house design and fabrication of (opto-) electronic devices and custom-made electronic and optical measurement techniques, from room temperature down to the milliKelvin regime. We use these devices for controlling quantum behaviour at the level of single spins and single photons, with the potential for fundamental breakthroughs and possible application to quantum computing and novel optoelectronics devices.

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Yuli Nazarov, Delft

Our research focuses on fundamental and applied problems of theoretical physics in the area of quantum transport and quantum information processing in nanoscale structures. For information on the specific topics we are currently working on, please see the list of recent preprints from our group and the websites of group members.

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Giordano Scappucci, Delft

Giordano Scappucci joined QuTech in 2015 and is excited to bring in the multidisciplinary expertise that has enabled him to span the traditional boundaries between materials (by designing and optimising crystal growth), chemistry (by understanding at the atomic-level the interactions of molecules with surfaces), and physics (by exploring electron transport). With this approach to research in mind, the overarching aim of the activities of his group at QuTech is to design, realize, and study innovative materials by the assembly of group IV elements. The goal is to tailor the structural and electronic properties of such heterostructures for applications in quantum technologies.

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Tim Taminiau, Delft

Tim Taminiau aims to realize spin-based quantum networks for quantum computation and for investigating the fundamentals of quantum information. Tim’s group uses defect centers in solids to realize controlled quantum registers of multiple coupled electron and nuclear spins and connects these registers into optically connected networks using photons.

With these unique controlled quantum systems, the group aims to answer questions such as: How does decoherence emerge in complex quantum systems? Can we protect quantum coherence, in principle, indefinitely so that large-scale quantum computations become possible? And does quantum mechanics continue to accurately describe such extended large-scale quantum systems?

The team is currently looking for enthusiastic students and postdocs. Please contact Tim Taminiauif you are interested.

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Wolfgang Tittel, Delft

Wolfgang Tittel is an experimental physicist, a professor at the EEMCS Department at the TU Delft, and a staff member at QuTech since 2018. Tittel received his PhD from the University of Geneva in 2000 for “Quantum correlation for quantum communication”, which was seminal in bringing quantum communication technology out of the laboratory and into the real world using deployed telecommunication fiber. His work has raised, and continues to raise, both scientific and public awareness and appreciation that the new technology is not restricted to contrived laboratory settings.

Our group studies quantum mechanical phenomena in mesoscopic structures. Our present focus is on single-spin qubits in semiconductor quantum dots and on electronic transport in mesoscopic graphene devices. To do so, we fabricate nanoscale devices and perform low-noise electronic measurements at milliKelvin temperatures employing microwave and pulsed technology. We are interested in the basic properties of these systems as well as in possible applications in quantum information processing.

The scientific breakthroughs in quantum computation over the past years have put is now at the exciting stage where an actual quantum computer is becoming in sight. While many scientific hurdles still have to be taken, major companies are now stepping in the race to accelerate the research activities that enable quantum technology to become a reality. One of the few remaining qubit candidates that can serve as the building block for a large-scale universal quantum computer is the spin an electron. Individual electrons can be defined in an almost identical way as the silicon transistor. While this provides an important advantage in scalability, as billions of transistors can be realized on a single chip, a crucial challenge is to control all the individual ‘personalities’ that qubits tend to have and to operate them with very high accuracy. The aim at Qutech is to realize robust and high-quality qubits that can be scaled. The experiments that we carry out require a deep understanding, a lot of creativity and state-of-the-art technology, but have the potential to become the road towards a large-scale quantum computer; all on silicon chip. Click here for more info.

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Ad Verbruggen, Delft

The Quantum Transport group studies and exploits novel quantum mechanical phenomena in nanometer-scale structures. Our current research focuses on superconducting circuits, quantum dots, nanowires, carbon nanotubes, diamond, and graphene. We employ in-house design and fabrication of (opto-) electronic devices and custom-made electronic and optical measurement techniques, from room temperature down to the milliKelvin regime. We use these devices for controlling quantum behaviour at the level of single spins and single photons, with the potential for fundamental breakthroughs and possible application to quantum computing and novel optoelectronics devices.

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Michael Wimmer, Delft

I am a condensed matter theorist, with a main focus on what I would call consisely "hybrid nanosystems". Quantum effects in nanostructures comprised of different materials can give rise to a whole new spectrum of fascinating physics, such as topological materials, non-Abelian anyons, or may have a potential technological impact.

Quite naturally, complex structures often ask for a numerical approach, going alongside trying to find more simple toy models that capture the physical essence. I do enjoy the numerical aspects of my work, too, and also spend time on developing new algorithms and techniques.

Universe physics: theory and instrumentation

Ana Achucarro, Leiden

Particle physics and cosmology

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Jochem Baselmans, Delft

Microwave resonators made out of superconducting materials are popular devices for detecting radiation in astronomy and for quantum computation. Our research focuses on understanding the physical processes that determine the quality and sensitivity of these devices, mainly motivated by the detector application. Our group will use these microresonator detectors in the camera AMKID and the spectrograph DESHIMA.

Marco Beijersbergen is founder and managing director of cosine. After his PhD in laser physics and optics at Leiden University in 1996, Marco recognised that there is a need for a company that offers commercial services in physics. The success of cosine has proven him right.

Marco has strong interest in the physical principles behind the development of scientific and industrial instruments. He shares his views and thoughts with physics and astronomy students at Leiden University.

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Alex Boyarsky, Leiden

The Neutrino Minimal Standard Model (nuMSM or νMSM) is an extension of the Standard Model with three right-handed (or sterile) neutrinos. It aims to address within one consistent framework several problems beyond the Standard Model:

My research concerns fundamental aspects of gravity, fromgravitational waves and black holes to quantum gravity, supergravity andcosmology. I am also interested in effective field theories for matter incosmological and other curved space-times.

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Maarten de Jong, Leiden

A telescope consisting of a cubic kilometre of sea water is the project with which Professor Dr Maarten de Jong is involved. He has devised a method of using this telescope even more efficiently.

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Teun Klapwijk, Delft

Superconductivity: mesoscopic and nonequilibrium superconductivity, physics and development of sensitive astronomical detectors mesocopic nano-devices at high frequencies

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Dorothea Samtleben, Leiden

Dorothea Samtleben is an observational cosmologist who has specialized in the faint polarization patterns in the cosmic microwave background pattern.

Koenraad Schalm studies string theory and its connections to models of particle physics and cosmology in particular. His current research is focused on the remarkable possibilities that near-future cosmological observations as well as upcoming particle-collider or condensed matter experiments can contain signatures of string theory.

I am a cosmologist, in other words I use physics to study the Universe, how it started and evolved into the structure that we observe around us. It is now an exceptional time for modern cosmology, when we can observe the Universe and connect high precision cosmological measurements with theory. With the evolution of the universe spanning a vast range of energies and scales, cosmological observables can shed light on virtually any particle physics model as well as on any theory of gravity. There is in fact an interplay between particle physics and cosmology, and the deepest questions of these two fields of research are the same. My real passion and interest are in using the array of cosmological data available to us to test fundamental physics. Through the past years I have been involved both in theoretical and observational aspects of this endeavor, with a particular focus on the dynamics of the late-time universe and tests of gravity on cosmological scales. Here you can find a more detailed overview of the selected research projects in which I have been actively involved over the past years, including the links to the relevant publications.

Interested in working on these topics? Send me an email to inquire about openings in our group!

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Dynamic Complex Systems

Gerard Barkema, Leiden

My research chair is titled "Computational statistical physics of (bio-) polymers". The main area of my expertise is Monte Carlo methods in statistical physics. Over the last decade, I have focused on the application of statistical physics to polymeric systems, with an emphasis on the dynamics of biopolymers. Almost always, my research is a combination of theory and simulations. Topics of current interest are translocation, mechanical properties of biomolecular networks, and the physical chemistry of microarrays.

We are interested in understanding the mechanics of soft materials, of which biological materials are prominent examples. Soft materials are those that can be easily deformed by external stress, electromagnetic fields or just thermal fluctuations: in other words everything that is wet, squishy or floppy. To pursue this, we use a combination of analytical techniques, numerical simulations and, from time to time, some simple experiment. For more information, please visit our website.

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Martin van Hecke, Leiden

My research focus is on the complex flow of disordered and structured materials such as foams, granular media and suspensions. We combine 2D and 3D imaging techniques with rheological measurements, numerical simulations and theory.

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Daniela Kraft, Leiden

The soft condensed matter group of Daniela Kraft is interested in the physics and self-organization of soft matter systems. Topics include the rational design of anisotropic and patchy particles for use as model systems and self-assembly, particle-covered emulsions and virus particles.